Wednesday, 31 October 2012

It is a fact that with any economic recession
a trend for reassurance and robust solidness moves in quickly, it becomes part
of our daily life without us even noticing. Who wants to experiment with risky “investments”
when uncertainty is the forecast? “I
rather have a tea please!” No wonder during recession times tea mugs are top
sellers.

The History

With fashion being the place where art meets
psychology, it is therefore no wonder Velvet is on the way back. For a long
period velvet was a possession
of the rich and royal; a sumptuous, luxurious fabric that gave those who wore it the feeling of comfort, solidness and significance. - King
Richard II of England dictated in his will that his
body should be clothed in velveto in 1399.

Charcoal Velvet by Paul Smith

There are many theories on where Velvet
originated from. But most people agree that it originated somewhere in the Far
East, was carried along the legendary Silk Route by Arabs to Europe and the
rest is history. Most people also agree that “Men and Velvet” are a good
combination... no need to mention film stars sporting it on and off the big
screen throughout the times constantly.

The effect on women

My first Velvet was bought 8 years
ago because my ex girlfriend (a shoe designer) said: “A man has to have a
velvet jacket”, I also noticed a good friend of mine (a fashion buyer for a top
end fashion brand) making that sound of pleasure “hmmm” while running her
fingers over the jacket while my new girlfriend (a trade finance specialist) got quite excited when she discovered the velvet jacket in my wardrobe.

I dare
say velvet is the fabric that goes in and out of trend more often but it is
also the one you go to when in need of that “extra oomph”. With most top end
fashion brands gambling on it, Velvet is no doubt an Autumn Essential, making
it the best “investment” for your wardrobe this season.

What's on offer

With every comeback there’s something new and
this time the twist is on the amazing colours and the bold prints over the fabric’s
luxurious texture, so here you have a few pieces worth checking out:

Richard James has this amazing deep turquoise
jacket which is a breath of fresh air from the traditional dark colours.

Paul Smith is promoting the modern day dandy
using navy velvet side pockets and upper lapel on a velvet charcoal jacket.

Also by McQueen a blazer with an all-over
deep rich brown check print, feels luxurious and elegant. - consider the
trousers as well; whether together as suit or separate they are one of a kind!

Navy Velvet by Joseph

Take a look at Joseph’s navy blazer with
patched pockets radiating an understated classy look. The round leather elbow pads
adding a touch of countryside rough may sound strange but got to be seen to be
understood.

Duchamp in burgundy

Herringbone velvet? Yes that’s it! In a
dashing burgundy tint for those who want to impress. This dinner jacket is Duchamp’s
look for this season’s essential piece.

The perfect luxurious deep brown, the perfect
classic fit, the perfect timeless velvet jacket by Prada is an investment for
years to come.

Burberry oozing British coolness

Pale Gun Metal is the name Burberry gave to
one of their velvet jackets, referring to its colour and together with the soft
stitching around the lapel it transpires alluring unpretentious cool.

Do you want to defy formal evening wear?
Geives & Hawkes has the most exquisite black velvet dinner jacket.

Last but not least to get that perfect black
velvet jacket with a touch of retro softness and perfect lapel stitching,
Armani Collezioni is what you are looking for. Another “investment” into your
wardrobe which I am sure you will return to when in need of something special
but understated.

Armani Collezione - Investment piece

If like me you don’t like losing the day
walking around in and out of shops, all of the above and plenty more “velvet”
can be found at Selfridges. Helpful pretty shop assistants can also be found there too.

BlackBerry have created a really fun game to highlight the amazing apps available on their new Bold 9790 and Curve 9320 handsets, and what's more by playing the game you can be in with the chance of winning a brand new BlackBerry 9320 and £250 of shopping vouchers. Educating, fun and a chance of prizes; what are you waiting for?

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Marsèll transforms sturdy, classic shapes into designs with a twist. Heels get a sculptural shape; meticulous finishing adds a dash of polish where you’d least expect it; a slice, or a hole, turn into design statements.

These shoes are perfect for fashion forward tomboys who like to play with innovation and tradition.

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Tomasz Donocik seems unstoppable. After scoring Jewellery Designer of the Year in 2011, a place in HOT 100 and his debut at Rock Vault for London Fashion Week he just officially launched his sought after fine and silver jewellery collections in London’s elite shopping destination Harrods.

Surrounded by leading designers such as Stephen Webster, Wendy Yu, Sevan and Bochic, Tomasz takes prime position in Harrod's prestigious Jewellery Hall with his own branded counter display made from concrete and leather.

Tomasz says: "Entering Harrods is a pivotal step for the brand. Harrods is truly unique luxury retail environment and a magnet for the worlds elite shoppers. It is an honour to take residence here alongside such established brands"

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

I knew about Topshop Personal Shopping, also that it’s a free
service but still I let my friends drag me to the Oxford Circus branch on each
of their visits, fought for clothes with hundreds of other shoppers on the
overcrowded shop floors, queued for the cloakroom, toilets and later at the
till and it could have been so different.

When Preeya, a marketing consultant from London told me about her
stylist at Topshop I paid attention. She is a regular and has used the service
for over a year. Every Friday, Hayley, her stylist waits for her in the
personal shopping suite with a rail full of clothes all in her size, style and
pulled for the occasion. Preeya is sold on the service and doesn’t go shopping
anywhere else.

Intrigued by what I hear I take a look myself. And I’m not
disappointed. Here is the lowdown.

The venue

Oxford Circus offers 8 Personal Shopping Suites and 2 VIP fitting
rooms for special events. Some of the rooms interconnect with each other so if
you want to come with your whole entourage you just get a bigger space.

The clothes

The rooms will be tailored especially for your appointment. With as
little as one hour pre-warning time the personal shopper team swarms out and
‘pulls’ different outfit options for you. This could be a complete wardrobe
overhaul in case you have ‘nothing to wear’, an edit of the
‘straight-off-the-catwalk-into-your-wardrobe’ pieces or everything you need to
pack for your honeymoon to ensure you look stylish when you sail off into the
sunset.

The shopper

To assure you have maximum one on one time with full style attention
during your visit, you’ll have your very own personal shopper at your service.
There will also be an assistant in case you need anything in a different size,
colour or combination. That’s two people just for you.

The time investment

Shopping sessions can last from in & out in 15 minutes for no
fuss shopping divas who know what they want, up to 2 hours for a complete
wardrobe miracle if you're stuck in a fashion rut or want to work a new look
and don't have a clue where to start.

The VIP service

Be assured you’ll feel very well looked after with a stylist team
and every look at your finger snip; All of this on comfy lounge seating with
refreshments, no queues, and even your own till.

The special events

Your personal shopper’s mission to get to know your style is not
just to assure a spot on look, no - how exciting - its aim is also to invite
you to special events. This could be anything from Richard Nicoll’s Blushing
Bride launch event to pre-ordering the Unique collection before anyone else
gets their hands on it. On the actual launch day you just come in, try on your
pre-ordered dress and take it home. No stress, no camping over night, no cat
fights with hysterical fashionistas, just cool, relaxed guest list style
shopping.

The costs

The service is complimentary but be warned if a whole rail of your
favourite looks is on offer in your size with a stylist on hand who knows what
suits you there's just one way out - get it all.

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

London might look like one big city but on closer look it divides
into several smaller neighborhoods and villages. Seven Dials is one such
village. In the heart of Covent Garden, away from the hustle & bustle of
the main tourist spots it brings you seven streets of independent boutiques,
heritage brands and vintage stores.

These are my favourite stores in Seven Dials:

Orion, Monmouth Street

Orion is a paradise for everyone who loves retro looks and girly
dresses. The store offers a wide selection of adorable dresses made of vintage
inspired fabrics and figure flattering styles. Prices range from £40-60, which
makes them a welcome alternative to the same old Highstreet labels.

Everything comes in one size only, which seems odd first but
ultimately saves a lot of time looking for different sizes. They also offer a
great selection of accessories from Tilby hats to Satchel bags in a range of
colours, all perfect for the festival season.

The Japanese heritage might explain why Tabio presents a whole world
of foot accessories to complement your outfit. No matter whether you want to
get a pair of delicate sockets with lace rim or something more daring like the
lace up ankle socks, this shop will inspire and deliver. I never leave without
my head full of ‘leg coordination’ ideas and a bag filled with the supplies for
it.

Vintage shopping is great fun. It is even more fun when you get your
hands on something that is unique, a bargain, one of a kind or something that simply
looks amazing on you. The Loft on Monmouth Street will make it very easy to
find exactly that. It is full of contemporary second hand designer labels
including Prada, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Chloe and many more.

Suppliers are celebrities; stylists, fashion editors or ordinary
mortals who need space in their closet and provide the shop with a constant
stream of fabulous frocks. Most items are available for roughly 30% of their
original price so be prepared for screams of delight and a bargain bonanza.

French women know how to dress. Where
others fail after hours of trying hard they excel with ease and casualness. If
you want to investigate further into the French way of ‘throw-on-in-minutes to
look stunning for hours’ head to Lollipop in Neal Street. The chic Parisian accessories label offers a
great range of bags, shoes and costume jewellery for young, urban and fashion
conscious woman.

The charming boutique with its rose
coloured walls and French style interior makes a welcome change to the contemporary
stores nearby. Products are girly in
design with fabrics such as lace, embroidery and bows.

You really get into the French mood and I
wouldn’t wonder if you step out already planning your next trip to Paris.

A shoe boudoir oozing glamour and with a
luxury feel. The store has opulent red velvet curtains framed posters of old
Hollywood icons and sofas adorned with plush cushions. It is the perfect
environment to check out the coolest and edgiest shoe labels of the season.

From Acne, Opening Ceremony and See by
Chloe to Dr Martens, Underground and All Star, Poste Mistress stocks high-end
labels as well as lesser known underground brands. This is what makes this shop
unique and the shopping experience addictive.

Spex and city is a beautiful small
boutique and the place to go if you're looking for cool, sophisticated and
standout glasses. They have a superb collection of frames and the likelyhood
that you meet someone wearing the same ones goes to zero.

The staff is skilled, extremely friendly
and super helpful when it comes to deciding which model to go for. It’s not
easy since there is so much choice. Not your average glasses store and
definitely one not to be missed.